I’m not gonna lie. There are times I just feel overwhelmed by the sorrow and tragedy that faces us each day on this Earth.
A month ago, a friend’s husband died from ALS.
This week, a friend passed away after succumbing to complications from alcoholism. A different friend recently rejected an intervention and is back to drinking.
Close friends and family have been unemployed for months.
Countless others I care about are watching their aging parents struggle with broken bones, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Cancer.
Tomorrow, a precious friend and colleague is having surgery after being re-diagnosed with cancer.
That’s just to name a few.
I could have filled the whole page with more tribulations in the lives of those I know and love. (Maybe I should live in a cave?) I’m certain you could make a similar list of your own.
As people of faith, we know there is “more”, but our brutal reality often eclipses that view. So, how do we keep the weight of it all from crushing our spirits and squelching our faith?
I have learned to start with prayer. (I’ve written about it before.)
You might think I’m giving you trite, “Christian-ese” advice. But I believe with my heart and soul, we are always better off when we make time to pray, even if the situation doesn’t change or go “our way.” We are told to come before the Lord with all our burdens, requests, anxieties, sorrows and grief. We are to beseech him. This is not a simple remedy. It’s an essential practice to get through the day.
And even on the worst of days, when the bad news outweighs the good, I still have HOPE.
Today I found encouragement and strength from an amazing song filled with God’s truth and promises by Building 429. I’ve had it playing over and over and over this afternoon, and it inspired me to write this post.
I cannot say it any better than they say it here. As you listen, let it become your prayer. I promise you will be bolstered by its truth and power.
[youtube id=”bDYWOH-q-RI”]You go before me.
I’m not alone.
You go with me.
I trust in you.
You’ve heard my prayer.
You’ve held me in my weakness.
You are always there.
I will not be moved.
Whatever tomorrow brings, together we’ll rise and sing.
Whatever comes our way, we won’t be shaken.
Are you in a place where you needed to hear this truth? Share with us so we can come alongside you in hope and prayer.
This post is dedicated to the many brave, beautiful people I love who are facing hardship right now. I wish I could do more. But please know you are loved and prayed for. Together we’ll rise and sing.